bigboy813

Hey I am wondering how can I make a DIY alternator guard. I have seen people removing there A/C Compressor, fabing up a plate and moving it to the top, but i need my a/c for hot california days. Can someone help me out and post pictures or point me in the direction of a write up thanks.

5-90

I'm going to assume you're talking about a splash guard?

Probably the biggest thing is to figure out how/where to mount it - beyond that, I'd just use middlin' heavy sheet aluminum (figure about .035"-.045" thick) and roll or bend the edges (90* by about 1/16-1/8") to strengthen them. Make sure it's sloped to drain, and put the rolled/bent edge so it's down (to allow it to drain readily.)

Make sure the shield is fairly large - it will need to protect against splashes on angles as well. I'd probably do a small skirt on the side bear the pax front tyre to prevent splashes up from there as well - but I've been called paranoid (and worse. But, I can live with that.)

freegdr

why not just install a aftermarket or factory skid platehttp://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...y_Code=xj_skid

bigboy813

yeah i got some small sheets of plexi i may try that if not i may have to throw down 30 bucks on sheet metal think i may screw/bolt it to the stock splash gaurd mount i figured it out haha thanks

BuckB91XJ

Don't build your shield so that it is too tight around your alternator. It will overheat and cause you big pains.

bigboy813

Check the link out what about like this i found it through google its from a previous CF thread

best ideas i have seen

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attach...ash-shield.jpg

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attach...alternator.jpg


Secondary idea
http://ericsxj.com/images/shield1.jpg

Help me decide

5-90

Acrylic will crack with the first rock, polycarbonate will hold up somewhat better. If you insist on plastic, try sheet rubber (Viton or Buna-N - it's petroleum-resistant) or industrial Neoprene instead.

The only reason you can get away with using metal under there is because it's more resistant. The use of thin sections of metal will throw off heat better, although you'll want some airspace between the shield and alternator (as mentioned - sorry, I forgot) anyhow.

Acrylic or poly? I wouldn't bother.

brutalxj

Just wondering why you are doing this? My alternator is underwater a lot and I don't have any issues. Don't mean to be a dick but I just don't see the point.

brutalxj

Is it for rocks? I don't think a little piece of steel will do much.

bigboy813

Ummm mud/murky water ? because I destroyed one alternator already and my voltages are droppin again. Fyi the first alternator was destroyed after stalling in a water/sand whole and letting it sit for a week cause i had water in my oil.


The Hand held test at orielly says i was outputing about 43amps at idle i think it was, how is that ?

dubbydoo

i just took a red shop rag and zip tied it off to the corner right there to keep the mud out of it ive had one go bad on the trail for me once red top batt saved me tho!

Gee oh Dee

I'm also curious to hear about this.

I've nevr cooked my alt, but I've heard several people blame mud dirty water for dead alternators.

mcguyver_xj

yeah honestly me personally and many friends with jeeps have never had issues with alternators and going through mud puddles

codyp

i have also gone through two alternator due to going threw muddy water. im conviced its the muddy water so much that now i try to stay clear unless i got $100 bucks layin around for a new one..

but honestly a sheild? its only ganna stop it from getting splashed and just splashing wont hurt anything, its the submerging.

Zab243

ill 2nd the cooking of alternators, ive cooked 2 in the past year cause of holes with muddy water in them. and they do go out in about 10 minutes after you hit the hole, i just learn not to hit anything that deep or that fast haha